Miniature circular gilt award of laurel wreath form with laterally-pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a bar imposed centrally inscribed ‘NASA’, a terrestrial globe centrally, a laurel branch to either side held by two hands below; the reverse plain gilt; diameter 19.51mm (0.77 inch); on original ribbon with brooch bar mounted for wear with maker’s mark ‘LI GI’ for Lordship Industries of Hauppauge, New York. The Medal was instituted on 29 July 1959 and is awarded to U.S. government employees ‘for sustained performance that embodies multiple contributions which contribute to NASA projects, programs, or initiatives’. The criteria must include all of the following: sustained performance that has made a significant improvement to NASA deliverables, operations, or image; employee’s record of achievements sets a benchmark for others to follow; substantial improvement to a NASA program that yielded high quality results or improvements; impact and importance of the employee’s services have been instrumental to the past and ongoing success of NASA.